A businessman in the Ihovbhor community of Benin City was reportedly brutalised by suspected members of the Aye confraternity on Friday night after refusing to give out free candy to a group of cultists.
According to eyewitness accounts and local sources, the incident occurred between 10pm and 11pm when a man identified as Wesley, believed to be a notorious member of the Aye cult, approached a provision shop and demanded free candy. The shop owner, described as a family man, obliged Wesley but declined to extend the offer to his companions, insisting they would have to pay.
This refusal reportedly infuriated Wesley, who allegedly began shouting “Aye Axemen” repeatedly before launching a violent assault on the trader. Other cultists accompanying him are said to have joined in the attack. The suspects fled the scene before police arrived and are currently at large.
Naija Confra, confirmed the incident and blamed Wesley for instigating the violence.
“The attack was carried out by Aye cultists, but the main instigator is Wesley, a notoriously aggressive member of the group,” the source said. “It’s shameful because Wesley is actually a wealthy internet entrepreneur. He owns houses, cars, and several commercial properties. Why would someone with that kind of money resort to beating a small shop owner over a piece of candy?”
The source further claimed that Wesley has a history of violence within the cult group, recalling an earlier incident about three weeks ago when he allegedly shot another Aye member in the nose during an internal dispute concerning a detained colleague.
As of the time of filing this report, the Edo State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack. However, residents of Ihovbhor are calling for urgent action to apprehend those involved and restore calm in the area.
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